January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Key Facts About Cervical Cancer from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

The most important way to help prevent cervical cancer is to get screening tests regularly starting at age 21.
Most women don’t need a Pap test every year! If your test results are normal, you may be able to wait 3 years.
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Get kids vaccinated against HPV at age 11-12 to help prevent cervical cancer.
Early cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.
If your test results are not normal, talk to your doctor. Cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early.

Get Screened Regularly

The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on your cervix, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. Women should start getting Pap tests at age 21. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these abnormal cells. Women who are 30 years old or older can get a Pap test only, an HPV test only, or both tests together.

Get Your Kids Vaccinated

HPV vaccines protect against HPV infection and the health problems it can cause, including cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are recommended for girls and boys at age 11-12. Teen girls and women through age 26 and teen boys and men through age 21 can also be vaccinated if they did not get the vaccine when they were younger.

Prevention Tips

The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to get screened regularly.
If you’re 26 years old or younger, get the HPV vaccine.
Use condoms during sex.
Limit your number of sexual partners.
Don’t smoke.

More at CDC.gov

Schedule your next wellness exam with one of our providers at Sandpoint Women’s Health. We provide screenings for cervical and breast cancer. We look for any health issues you may be at risk for based on your health history. We review vaccines and other preventative health measures with you. You can discuss any health concerns you have.

We see patients in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, providing you care close to home!

To schedule an appointment call 208-263-2173 or click the button below.

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